In Brief
A government employee who was suspended in 1986 and terminated following departmental proceedings for alleged misappropriation of funds filed a claim petition 11 years later, challenging his dismissal. Although he was subsequently acquitted in criminal proceedings and a tribunal had previously allowed his petition, the Supreme Court held that the excessive delay alone justified dismissal of the claim. However, recognizing the respondent's prolonged litigation, the Court awarded an ex gratia payment of Rs. 1 lakh to him.
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